
Have you been diagnosed with flat feet? If so, you probably understand that you need orthotics in your shoes. Otherwise, you could be at greater risk of developing foot and heel pain. It is important to take a closer look at some of the health problems that can be caused by flat feet. That way, you understand the available treatment options. What is meant by flat feet, and what are some treatment options?
What Are Flat Feet?
First, it is important to understand what is meant by flat feet. When we say that someone has flat feet, we mean that they do not have any arches in their feet at all. There are some people who have slightly reduced arches, but if you have flat feet, you do not have any arches in your feet at all.
As a result, the bones in your feet make a direct line from your toes to your heel, strengthened by the tendons and ligaments. This allows the foot to support the body's weight in the erect posture with the least amount of weight. Because of this, there is no arch available to absorb the shock of walking and running, and this is where many of the symptoms and spinal problems created by flat feet can arise.
What Symptoms and Conditions Can Flat Feet Cause?
Some people have flat feet and might not have any symptoms, but with extended activity, you can develop some significant discomfort. For example, you may experience foot pain, particularly in the heel or arch. If you continue to place stress on flat feet, you may notice swelling along the inside of the ankle. Then, you might notice knee pain and hip pain if you do not develop a comprehensive plan to address this condition.
Certain chronic medical conditions can develop from flat feet as well. A few of the top examples include:
· A greater risk of developing arthritis
· An increased chance of developing bone spurs
· A higher frequency of bunions and calluses
· Increased issues with Achilles tendon pain or injury
· The development of lower back pain, knee pain, hip pain, and ankle pain
· The development of shin splints or plantar fasciitis
These chronic medical conditions can negatively impact your overall quality of life, so it is important to work with a professional who can help you develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
What Are the Treatment Options?
If you have been diagnosed with flat feet, you might have been told you need surgical correction. While it is true that you can go to the operating room to have your bones put back together, and that might be appropriate for people with severe, intractable symptoms, there are other ways to help you manage flat feet without having to go to an operating room.
First, a podiatrist can develop professional custom orthotics that you can put in your shoes. Custom orthotics will provide the correct and appropriate support your feet need, and you can minimize many of the symptoms and complications above.
A chiropractor can also perform spinal and extremity adjustments on areas of your body that may be developing chronic pain from alterations in your gait or compensation in body mechanics due to foot pain. She can perform extremity adjustments to ensure your feet, ankles, knees, and hips are comfortable and aligned correctly.
Chiropractic Treatments to Manage Flat Feet
Flat feet are a remarkably common orthopedic condition. While it can negatively impact one's overall quality of life, it is not something that one needs to manage alone.
To learn more about the benefits of chiropractic care, click here.
Comments